We arrived in Santa Cruz in the afternoon of
Friday, 1 March 2019. This was not my first time at carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, but it was the first time I'd been there for the
Cabalgata anunciadora (Opening Parade) and
there was a different feel to that I'd observed previously when I'd been mid-way through for any of the other parades. There was that calm that pervades just before an event, as pretty much all of the preparations were done by then, but with a palpable sense of excited expectation of a party about to commence. And what a party!
 |
Opening Parade approaches in Santa Cruz de Tenerife 2019
|
|
| At the end of the parade the vehicles with the costumes parked up alongside the Plaza de España, before being taken back off for storage. This is the costume of first maid of honour Susana Conde Alba, “Bésame” (Kiss Me), with its designer, Santi Castro at the back door of the car. |
 |
| At the end of the parade are the coches engalanados (decorated vehicles) that bring a whole new meaning to the term "mobile disco". They are, authentically, a whole other party on wheels. |
 |
| Pirate ship disco on wheels negotiates a tight corner |
 |
| Last minute costume item? |
 |
| After the parade, walking down the Calle de Castillo on the way to the party |
 |
| At the stage in the Plaza del Príncipe de Asturias |
 |
| And on to the party taking place in the Plaza de la Candelaria |
After more than 20 years, posts here will now only be occasional (
